Hockey NSW Staff, Coaches & Volunteer Vaccination Information - Update 12/10/21
The NSW Government has confirmed as of Monday 11th October (70% vaccination rate) that only full vaccinated people (16 years and older) are able to take advantage of the eased restrictions as stated in the Public Health Order which includes outdoor sport and exercise. Further to this the NSW Education Department confirmed that external providers such as Hockey NSW, can only enter school grounds if they have at least two doses of a COVID 19 vaccine. A copy of this advice can be found by clicking here.
Hockey NSW have been closely monitoring government and health advice about how to reduce the risk for particular community groups who might be more at risk of exposure to COVID-19, or severe illness such as;
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- older people
- people living in aged care facilities
- people with disability
As a result, we have decided that the best way to protect our organisational community and the community groups we deal with is through a range of measures that will assist to minimise the spread of coronavirus. These measures will include vaccination requirements for Hockey NSW staff, coaches and volunteers delivering programs and activities with in our community in addition to the safeguards already in place i.e. masks, social distancing, sanitisation:
Sporting Schools Program and Dept of Education Disability Sport Days (double dose required until further notice)
- NSW Education Department confirmed that external providers such as Hockey NSW, can only enter school grounds if they have at least two doses of a COVID 19 vaccine.
- Department of Education Guidance
COD, AAP, and other Hockey NSW activities (double dose required until 1st December 2021)
- Following NSW Government guidelines and restrictions, which at this point in time means that only full vaccinated people (16 years and older) are able to assist running these programs.
- Public Health Order
Currently, the NSW Government has the 1st December 2021 as the date in which restrictions are easing for unvaccinated people, if this date changes we will continue to update and follow NSW Government advice and restrictions. After this date, vaccination rules may change depending on the industry and/or council and government run facilities and venues.
In summary, our position requires some staff and volunteers to be double vaccinated prior to participating in delivering any of these programs and activities in our community.
Evidence of vaccination status should be forwarded to James Psarakis via email to james.p@hockeynsw.com.au as soon as possible so roles and rostering arrangements can be confirmed moving forward. Please be assured that any medical information provided will be held in strict confidence, as currently occurs with other personal payroll information.
Some staff or volunteers may be able to apply for a medical exemption from vaccination. Employees seeking an exemption are required to provide authorised exemption documentation (https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/vaccine/Documents/covid-19-vaccine-contraindication.pdf).
Alternative options will be discussed with staff and volunteers who do not qualify for an exemption or who elect not to vaccinate, including temporary options, if available.